Poing – 24th July 2008

Poing, Germany. July 28th, 2008 – Avnet Memec, the highly specialised semiconductor distributor of Avnet Electronics Marketing EMEA, announced that Chris Shipway has recently been appointed as Country Director UK. He will be responsible for all sales activities in the UK and will directly report to Bill Walker, Regional Vice President Sales Northern Europe.

Chris started his electronics career working in the Memec Warehouse (Thame Components) at Thame in 1982. He became an assistant Product Manager in 1985 working with lines like Altera and Brooktree before co-starting a company called Sequoia Technology.

In 1992 Sequoia Technology was sold to the Tekelec Group (a large French Distribution Company). Chris continued working for Tekelec for another 4 years as Managing Director for the UK, Ireland and Denmark.

In 1997 he left Tekelec to start Azzurri Technology and later took on the responsibility of running the UK and Ireland. In 2008 Azzurri was sold to Avnet Memec.

"We are very pleased that Chris is joining Avnet Memec as Country Director UK", stated Steve Haynes, President Avnet Memec. "With his long experience in electronics industry and distribution he will be a value contribution to our team. His reputation in the market will enable Avnet Memec UK to further strengthen its position and maximise Avnet Memec business opportunities in the UK."

Avnet Memec, an independent business unit of Avnet Electronics Marketing EMEA, is a highly specialised semiconductor distributor, operating on a pan-European basis and employing a significant number of engineers to support customers’ design efforts. Avnet Memec specialises in highly innovative suppliers and technologies, which will help a variety of customers to differentiate their designs. Its area of specialisation extends from Analog and Microcontrollers to RF, Datacom and Networking. The business unit operates out of 30 offices in 17 European countries and represents major semiconductor franchises on a pan-European basis.